Portland Thunder

Thunder Acquire Tryout Participant Joshua Stangby

Thursday December 10, 2015

PORTLAND – The Portland Thunder have been assigned wide receiver Joshua Stangby, head coach Andy Olson announced on Thursday afternoon.

Stangby (5-11, 185, Ottawa (KS)) is the first of this off-season’s open tryout participants to be offered a contract. In total, 76 athletes from five states auditioned for a chance to play for the Thunder at the event held on December 5.

"You’re looking for the diamond in the rough,” Olson stated at the tryouts last Saturday. “That’s really what you are out here doing. You’re looking for guys that haven’t been given the same shot that others have, or players who played at a smaller school that were never given a great opportunity. That’s what we’re here for, to give these guys a chance, and we’re excited to give them that opportunity."

Stangby will enter his first season in the AFL in a Thunder uniform in 2016. A two-time, All-Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference selection, Stangby excelled in his two seasons (2013-14) as the number one target for the Ottawa University (KS) Braves. Joshua led the Braves in every receiving category during his senior season, totaling 56 receptions, for 1046 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Those numbers saw Stangby rank in the top 20 for receiving yards, receiving yards per game, and scoring nationally (NAIA) in 2014. This production caught the eyes of the Atlanta Falcons, who invited Stangby to rookie mini-camp in May, 2015.

The North Hollywood, California native, Stangby was also a first team, All-State selection for North Hollywood High School in 2008.

Four players, including DB Osagie Odiase and former LB Brandon Tett, have seen significant playing time with the Thunder after successful performances at open tryouts.

About the Portland Thunder
The Portland Thunder are set to #DropTheHammer when they begin their third season of AFL play at Moda Center in April 2016. Tickets and sponsorships are now available for the 2016 AFL Season. For more information, email us at info@portlandthunder.com or call 503-773-4235. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@pdxthunder).